Blue has always been a staple color for interior designers, and this year, it's getting bolder. Cobalt blue is having a major resurgence, and Jessie Buckley and Wunmi Mosaku's matching BAFTA dresses are the first harbinger of the shade's upward trajectory. For last night's awards, both the Best Leading Actress and Best Supporting Actress stepped out in the electrifying shade of blue.
Fashion is usually ahead of interiors by about a season, with the colors, patterns, and silhouettes we see on the runway appearing in our homes about a year later. That's why, for anyone who wants to get ahead of interior design trends, now is the best time to start integrating cobalt blue into your home.
Since red was arguably the 'it color' of accent shades for 2025, with trends like the 'unexpected red theory,' brilliant blues feel like a natural evolution. It's also a primary color, and can usually blend in quite seamlessly with an existing design. Plus, it's the perfect accent to add a touch of brilliance to a forgotten corner.
To explore the next iteration of decorating with blue, the Homes & Gardens team spoke with experts to understand the benefits of the shade and the best way to use it in a home. I also scoured my favorite interiors sites for the best cobalt blue furnishings on the market right now, so you can integrate them into your home with ease. Let's dive in.
First, why is cobalt blue popular for 2026? Hebe Hatton, Head of Interior Design at Homes & Gardens, explains: 'Blue has often been employed as a neutral tone, but this year, we're seeing many designers use blue as an accent color.
Cobalt is the perfect candidate for this shift because it is naturally bold and eye-catching. It feels like a novel take on a classic, which I think people are always interested in.'
Shop the Cobalt Blue Edit
If you love designer buys from the mid-20th century, then these stunning ultramarine blue kangaroo chairs by Ernst Moeckl are exactly what you need. It's rare to find a set of four in such great condition.
Using cobalt blue as an accent color means that it only needs to be in a few spots to make a huge difference. This pretty glass vase would be incredible filled with white roses.
If you want to add interest to a home with a statement focal point, a colorful coffee table is the way to go. This popular design is currently on sale now, and I predict this exact color blue will be huge in 2026 for those who prefer a slightly more muted take on cobalt.
Perhaps you want to try decorating with cobalt blue, but you want to test it out first. These striking blue cushions are the perfect item to add to start. Update your existing dining or accent chairs with ease.
For a pop of vibrant blue, place this chic wool throw pillow on an armchair or at the center of a bed. Inspired by Jessie and Wunmi's gowns, it'll bring the color into your home without overwhelming.
There's nothing like a cordless lamp to add a touch of interest and intrigue to your shelves and countertops. This one is so beautifully lacquered and perfectly shaped.
There are dozens of ways to use cobalt blue in your home, but one of the best may be as a home office idea. Charlotte Ford, design expert at Ruggable explains: 'A vibrant shade of cobalt blue is excellent for home offices. This is because deeper shades of blue are said to be more stimulating and can increase concentration.'
She advises: 'However, cobalt doesn’t need to be the primary color palette if the hue is too bold for you. Instead, opt for a neutral colour palette as your base and then accent it with cobalt blue for a subtle finish. You can add pops of blue into the room through furnishings, rugs, and decor.'
The hue is incredibly versatile and can fit into a variety of schemes. Charlotte recommends: 'For a maximalist style, Cobalt blue pairs well with mid-century modern furniture pieces, bright pink or coral colorways, and a mix of fabrics and textures such as velvet, silk, and linen. You can even play with patterns, too, through colourful, geometric rugs and wall art.'
The beauty of cobalt blue is that it elevates a classic we have all used in our homes. We're so curious to see how this trend evolves over the coming year. If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
